"T/HE "S/COT'S M/AGAZINE" begins in 1739.The works mentioned and the topics discussed will give us a better idea of the times, than any thing else that can be produced.
In January is advertised " A Treatise of Human Nature," the work that revolutionized all modern philosophy.For years, we have papers about Whitefield, who revolutionized religion in England, and had a mighty influence in Scotland and America.The magazine has a series of papers, lasting for years, under the head of " Common Sense." In March, there is an advertisement of a " Second Volume of Common Sense Letters collected," showing that we have no need to go to remote quarters to find the source from which Reid and the Aberdeen school got the phrase, "common sense," which had been in constant use since the time of Shaftesbury (P.31).
It is curious to notice that, in January, comedians are prosecuted before the Court of Session, and, in February, are found guilty, and "decerned for the penalties in the late Act against strollers." In March, there is an advertisement, " A View of the Necessitarian or Best Scheme, freed from the Objections of M.Crouzaz in his Examinations of Pope's I Essay on Man."' In June, "The Necessity of Revelation," by Archibald Campbell, PP.45, 3d-- in sheets, showing that revelation needed to be defended.In October, an attack on Campbell's book, and, in December, a reply by Campbell.In October, " A Treatise of Ancient Painting," by Dr.Turnbull, 41.4s.in sheets.In February, 1740, "The Principles of Moral Philosophy;" in December, "A Methodical System of Universal Law; " and, in May, -- A Curious Collection of fifty Ancient Paintings," 1L.8s., all by Turnbull, showing that there was a taste in the country for ethical and aesthetic discussions, -- the failure of Turnbull's works proving that it was not to be gratified by the excellent commonplace of that author.In 1740, Simson, whose views in regard to the Trinity raised such discussion, passes away from this world, after having lived in retirement since his suspension in 1728.In May, we have "The Principles and Connection of Natural and Revealed Religion," by A.Ashley Sykes; and "The Divine Authority of the Old and New Testament asserted," by J.Leland, D.D., 25S.; and, in July, " Discourses concerning {162} the Being and Natural Perfections of God," by J.Abernethy, M.A-, 5s-- 6d-; all showing that there were men ready to defend natural and revealed religion on sound, sensible principles.
That deism is alive, appears from May, when " Physico, Theologico, Philosophico, Moral Disquisition concerning Human Nature, Free Agency, Moral Government, and Divine Providence," by T.Morgan, M.D., 5s.6d., appears.In June, " Remarks on the Inquiry into the Nature of the Human Soul,"is.In December, among preferments, Adam Smith, Comptroller of the Customs at Kirkcaldy, Inspector-General of the Customs; showing that a competent man was being prepared to discuss political economy.In April, 1741, " The Temper, Character, and Duty of a Minister of the Gospel," a sermon by William Leechman, M.A., 6d.; indicating the introduction of Moderatism into the Church of Scotland in its most plausible form, denying no orthodox doctrine, and yet recommend, in graceful language, only the truths of natural religion, and the common moralities of life, -- an evidence that the attacks of deistical writers had made many ashamed of the deeper doctrines of Scripture.In January, 1744, there is an abstract of the associate presbytery for renewing the Covenants, dated at Stirling, Dec.23, 1743, "complaining of several immoralities, and the repealing of the penal statutes against witches.The penal statutes against witches have been repealed by the parliament, contrary to the express law of God: by which a holy God may be provoked in a way of righteous judgment, to leave those who are already ensnared to be hardened more and more, and to permit Satan to tempt and seduce others to the same wicked and dangerous snares." The above list shows clearly an age of great intellectual activity, a strong tendency to philosophical discussion among Scotchmen, a vigorous attack on Christianity, a respectable defence of it and of natural religion, a revival of evangelical religion under Whitefield, and a strong love of it on the part of the common people, along with the appearance of intemperance and strolling players.It was in the midst of this ferment that Hume's work appeared, to shake all that was thought to be established in philosophy and in natural religion.
